FOOTBALL
McNally presents coaching clinic
For former NFL offensive line coach Jim “Mouse” McNally, his life’s work has been all about filling gaps. He’s about to fill one more.
Convinced there aren’t enough local football clinics for Western New York’s high school, college and little league coaches, the Kenmore native is starting his own.
At last weekend’s Western New York high school football banquet at Classics V in Amherst, McNally announced his plans for the inaugural clinic.
Careful not to choose a weekend that would conflict with the NFL playoffs, McNally has settled on Jan. 24, at the Eldredge Club, 17 Broad St., City of Tonawanda.
Registration will start at 8:30 a. m. for the clinic that will run from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. The cost at the door is $25 per person or $20 each for five or more.
McNally’s motivation isn’t just to pass along some of the knowledge he’s acquired coaching 28 years in the NFL. He’s also donating all proceeds to the retired Buffalo Bills alumni fund, which will aid retired NFL players who are struggling to meet their medical bills.
“I want to give back to the Western New York high schools, colleges and little league programs as I know there are few local clinics,” McNally said. “Maybe we can raise a few bucks for the retired players. I want to help the ones who have serious medical needs and little money or insurance to cover their needs.”
McNally’s tenure in the NFL included four years with the Buffalo Bills. Today he’s a volunteer at the University at Buffalo and does some fundraising.
His clinic will not be limited to offensive line play. The focus will be on basic running plays, pass protection, cover zone plays, misdirection, power, draws and one-back plays from the spread or tight formations.
Assistant coaches, parents, players and fans are welcome. For a reply form e-mail McNally at mousemcnally@yahoo.com or call 725-4714. McNally played at Kenmore West for the late Jules Yakapovich, who coached the Blue Devils for 26 seasons before retiring in 1976. In October 2008, both were inducted to the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
